The Airbus training centre in Miami, Florida is the launch customer for two new Thales Reality7 Level D full flight simulators, which will provide a cost-effective and technologically advanced training solution for the A320 Family.

Pilots and instructors at Airbus’ Miami, Florida training centre will benefit from the addition of two new Thales Reality7 Level D full flight simulators, which will provide an optimised training experience on A320 Family aircraft.

The first simulator will become operational in July at the centre, where thousands of individuals from airline operators in the U.S., Canada and Latin America are trained each year.

Advanced features of the Reality7 simulator include a head-up display system, the new Required Navigation Performance approach standards, visual models with Google Earth graphics, and liquid crystal-on-silicon high-definition projectors with a 200 x 45 degree display screen – which exceeds the Federal Aviation Administration’s size requirement. Also included are new instructor debrief stations, which allow customers to review training sessions on three large screens in a separate room.

“An enhanced environment enables instructors to train more effectively, get the most out of valuable training hours and reduce the time it takes to train and re-qualify pilots,” said Steve Chealander, Airbus Vice President of Training and Flight Operations Support. “The Reality7 also is designed to require less maintenance down time, which allows for more in-service hours.”

The new devices also are highly cost-effective, because modules can be “swapped out” if a customer’s fleet or training business changes. The Reality7 is based on a modular design, with a common core element independent of aircraft type.

In addition, the Reality7 purchase agreement includes updates every 18 months to keep pace with evolving aircraft developments and configurations – greatly reducing the added costs and risks of constant redesigns, and ensuring standardisation across the Airbus A320 Family training programmes in Miami and Toulouse, France.

In line with Airbus’ eco-efficiency goals, these simulators also employ a range of ‘green’ technologies such as a new hybrid electric/hydraulic motion system and electric flight controls that use 70 percent less electricity and 90 percent less oil.

Two machines currently in operation at the Miami centre will be replaced by the new simulators. This program was launched jointly with Airbus’ Toulouse training centre, whose A320 Family simulator inventory is also being replaced.